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'Greek freak' Antetokounmpo learns the art of the soft sell

Giannis Antetokounmpo has learned to speak kindly to referees when calls do not go his way, the Milwaukee power forward said after the Bucks outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 135-129 in the NBA on Saturday.

Antetokounmpo's penchant for driving to the basket means he draws physical contact more often than most, and while officials do not always whistle a foul, they come around eventually if spoken to respectfully, he says.

"I think I've grown as a player to be able to relax and not show my frustration," the 23-year-old nicknamed "Greek Freak" told reporters after scoring 34 points.

"I tell them 'look I think I was fouled in that play.' I try to talk to them as nice as I can. I think it always works back in our favour when you're polite to them."